Search for gravitational-lensing signatures in the full third observing run of the LIGO-Virgo network

Gravitational lensing by massive objects along the line of sight to the source causes distortions of gravitational wave-signals; such distortions may reveal information about fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics. In this work, we have extended the search for lensing signatures to all binary black hole events from the third observing run of the LIGO--Virgo network. We search for repeated signals from strong lensing by 1) performing targeted searches for subthreshold signals, 2) calculating the degree of overlap amongst the intrinsic parameters and sky location of pairs of signals, 3) comparing the similarities of the spectrograms amongst pairs of signals, and 4) performing dual-signal Bayesian analysis that takes into account selection effects and astrophysical knowledge. We also search for distortions to the gravitational waveform caused by 1) frequency-independent phase shifts in strongly lensed images, and 2) frequency-dependent modulation of the amplitude and phase due to point masses. None of these searches yields significant evidence for lensing. Finally, we use the non-detection of gravitational-wave lensing to constrain the lensing rate based on the latest merger-rate estimates and the fraction of dark matter composed of compact objects

Animal-to-Animal Data Sharing Mechanism for Wildlife Monitoring in Fukushima Exclusion Zone

We propose an animal-to-animal data sharing mechanism that employs wildlife-borne sensing devices to expand the size of monitoring areas in which electricity, information, and road infrastructures are either limited or nonexistent. With the proposed approach, monitoring information can be collected from remote areas in a safe and cost-effective manner. To substantially prolong the life of a sensor node, the proposed mechanism activates the communication capabilities only when there is a plurality of animals; otherwise, the sensor node remains in a sleep state. This study aimed to achieve three objectives. First, we intend to obtain knowledge based on the actual field operations within the Fukushima exclusion zone. Second, we attempt to realize an objective evaluation of the power supply and work base that is required to properly evaluate the proposed mechanism. Third, we intend to acquire data to support wildlife research, which is the objective of both our present (and future) research

HCI interventions for science communication

In this paper we describe the practices used by alternate reality game (ARG) designers to engage fans with the issues and effects of global climate change under the scientific guidance of key non-profit organizations. Our multiple case study is based on three projects: Future Coast (2014), the Disaster Resilience Journal (2014) and Techno Medicine Wheel (2007 -- ongoing). Our analysis derives from each ARG designer»s interview and observations of their game»s narrative structure, postmortem. Findings provide HCI practitioners with a list of best practices related to the designer's use of narrative style and physical locations to support fan engagement. These practices emphasize the goals of non-profit organizations (NPO) through science communication utilizing popular media forms

HCI interventions for science communication

In this paper we describe the practices used by alternate reality game (ARG) designers to engage fans with the issues and effects of global climate change under the scientific guidance of key non-profit organizations. Our multiple case study is based on three projects: Future Coast (2014), the Disaster Resilience Journal (2014) and Techno Medicine Wheel (2007 -- ongoing). Our analysis derives from each ARG designer»s interview and observations of their game»s narrative structure, postmortem. Findings provide HCI practitioners with a list of best practices related to the designer's use of narrative style and physical locations to support fan engagement. These practices emphasize the goals of non-profit organizations (NPO) through science communication utilizing popular media forms

Animal-to-Animal Data Sharing Mechanism for Wildlife Monitoring in Fukushima Exclusion Zone

We propose an animal-to-animal data sharing mechanism that employs wildlife-borne sensing devices to expand the size of monitoring areas in which electricity, information, and road infrastructures are either limited or nonexistent. With the proposed approach, monitoring information can be collected from remote areas in a safe and cost-effective manner. To substantially prolong the life of a sensor node, the proposed mechanism activates the communication capabilities only when there is a plurality of animals; otherwise, the sensor node remains in a sleep state. This study aimed to achieve three objectives. First, we intend to obtain knowledge based on the actual field operations within the Fukushima exclusion zone. Second, we attempt to realize an objective evaluation of the power supply and work base that is required to properly evaluate the proposed mechanism. Third, we intend to acquire data to support wildlife research, which is the objective of both our present (and future) research